hadley fern {five months}

Hadley Fern, you are FIVE months old!

Wow - I can't believe I just typed that.  This past month was definitely the fastest one yet.  Hadley, you have been changing before our eyes.  You love to tell me stories - all you need are some actual words and we'll be chatting up a storm.

You also started complaining when I leave your line of sight.  I don't think it's personal, because you're happy with pretty much anyone - you just want somebody to play with and talk to.  :-)

About a week ago you started sleeping 12 hours in a row at night!  Wow!  I don't know where that came from {Asher didn't do that until 6 months old} but I'm not complaining or questioning it.  You go, sister.

That's where the good sleep news ends, because, girly, you're still an awful napper.  Let's work on that ok?  Bless your heart - I think a lot of it is my fault, actually.  We are often on the go with Asher's activities when you would like to be sleeping and you are NOT a fan of snoozing in the car seat anymore.  There are too many exciting things to observe, you can't rest.  This wouldn't be a big deal except that by 4 or 5 you are so tired and cranky - mommy isn't a fan.  On a good day you'll take 3ish naps, but they aren't very consistent yet and are pretty short.  On a bad day it's catnaps of 30 mins or less off and on throughout the day.

One hard thing we learned this month is that you've followed in big brother's footsteps with a milk protein allergy.  About 2 weeks ago I saw some blood in your poo and knew right away what that meant.  Asher had the same exact symptoms at your age - boo.  Mommy has eliminated all dairy from my diet and I'm hoping that will solve the problem.  This diet stinks, but I love you darling and don't mind doing it for you in the least.

Because of your allergy we're holding off on any food for now.  You breastfeed every 2-3 hours during the day.  This sounds like a lot, but I'm guessing it's the reason you can sleep so long at night so it's fine by me!

Hadley, you rolled over from back to belly a couple more times this month.  You hate ending up on your belly so you don't do it unless there's something you really, really want that's out of reach.  ha!  You do try to sit straight up a lot.  Abs of steel going on here!

You're also in love with your thumb.  The pacifier has been tossed aside for this always available, always ready friend.  This might be a problem some day, but for now it's just darn adorable.

At 5 months, Hadley...

• weighs about 13 pounds
• wears size 3-6 month and 6 months
• wears size 2 diapers
• is still exclusively breastfed and eats every 2-3 hours during the day
• wakes up to eat 1x at night about twice a week
• sleeps 12 hours straight at night about 5x a week
• is still working on being a better napper
• adores her big brother - she watches his every move
• is so smiley and happy most of the time
• loves to talk, coo, and squawk at me
• rolls over now and then
• reaches for toys and loves to play in the bouncy chair and play mat
• drools like crazy and puts everything in her mouth
• sucks her thumb to soothe herself to sleep {see ya paci}
• stopped being swaddled at about 4.5 months
• loves baths!

Hadley Fern, everyone comments about what a sweet little girl you are.  You are so quick to smile and charm your way into the hearts of strangers.  We are so blessed to have you in our family.  Thanks for being our girl - we love you!